Introduction
Welcome to this look at Herpa item 097529, VW Crafter rescue vehicle "Luxambulance" (Luxembourg). Herpa introduces this model as;
Luxambulance is a service provider for patient transports, normal and intensive care transfers throughout Luxembourg. Just over 30 vehicles are in the fleet, about half of which are civilian versions equipped for wheelchair transport, among other things. The eye-catching and at the same time elaborate design was worth it to Herpa to realize one of three ambulances with medical equipment in the model. Warning bar, roof air-conditioning box and single blue light are mounted on the roof accordingly. The model appears in a limited edition.
The Model
VW Crafter rescue vehicle "Luxambulance" (Luxembourg) is packaged in a form-fitted cradle held inside Herpa's red carton with a clear display window. It features a holographic license for Volkswagen on one end.
The model is completely assembled except for a small sprue holding two separate optional mirrors. Assembly is first rate, as is the molding of the parts. The parts are crisp with no flash, sink holes, mold seam lines, or visible ejection circles.
The plastic of the body is smooth and featured raised and recessed detail, as appropriate. Most of the surface detail is molded on. Transparent plastic for the windows is crystal clear with no distortion.
Herpa models ride upon tires of a hybrid plastic-rubber material.
Detail
Headlights are simulated with clear lenses while brake lights are simulated with tinted lenses.
Cab interior detail consists of seats for passengers and the driver. A steering wheel is inserted into the dashboard. You see consoles and the dash.
Neither the front or rear tires have full tread detail, only have detail on the shoulders but none on the contact surface. The hubs feature good detail. Herpa makes a steerable axle kit for trucks (item 4013150052559, or just 52559) but I cannot find one for a model this size.
The underside is simulated with low raised molded components.
Finish
Smooth glossy plastic is used for the body. The model is primarily molded in color with emergency markings and company stenciling, VW emblems, medical logos painted on. Herpa does not use decals. All printing is legible.
Conclusion
VW Crafter Luxambulance is Herpa’s striking 1/87 model of this medical assistance vehicle. The model is assembled without flaw. Two optional unattached side mirrors are provided to detail the exterior. It features an excellent finish and excellent exterior detail, including clear and tinted clear lenses for lights. The interior is impressive as well. Herpa models snap together and it is possible to remove the body to insert figures into the seats, where they will be visible through the clear windows.
My constructive criticism is: (minor) that I would like tread detail molded into the foot of each tire.
Overall, Herpa has kitted another impressive VW Crafter. Modelers and collectors of medical help and light commercial vehicles should appreciate this vivid VW. It will be at home on a display shelf, in a diorama, or on a HO railroad layout. Recommended.
Please remember to mention to Herpa that you saw this item here - on RailRoad Modeling.